The Evolving Landscape of Endobariatrics: A Minimally Invasive Frontier in Obesity Management

Abstract

Obesity has reached epidemic proportions globally, posing a significant public health challenge with profound socio-economic implications. While lifestyle modifications, pharmacotherapy, and bariatric surgery are established treatments, a substantial gap exists for patients who do not qualify for or wish to avoid invasive surgery. Endoscopic bariatric and metabolic therapies (EBMTs), collectively known as endobariatrics, offer a minimally invasive alternative, bridging this treatment gap. This article reviews the current progress in endobariatrics, focusing on space-occupying intragastric balloons and gastric remodeling devices, supported by peer-reviewed data. Furthermore, it explores exciting future directions, including the potential integration of robotic suturing devices and magnetic compression anastomosis, discussing their mechanisms and available preliminary data. Endobariatrics represents a rapidly evolving field poised to significantly impact obesity management, offering safer, less invasive, and potentially more accessible treatment options for a broader patient population.